We had a great indoor session this past Friday (October 14, 2011).  Dr. Fabian Heitsch of UNC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy gave a fascinating presentation on the Cosmic Distance Ladder starting from the use of parallax to calculate distances within our own solar system, the use of cepheid variable stars and then up to type 1A supernovae.

On the business front it was announced that the Treasurer’s Report was available on the RAC web site under Club Reports (you must log into the RAC web site a member to see this information.

Also announced were some upcoming events:

  • Public Star Gaze: Saturday November 12th (7:30pm to 10:00pm), North Cary Park
  • The Sky’s the Limit! Astronomy Viewing, Saturday November 19th (6pm to 9pm), Blue Jay Point
  • Telescope Tune Up Clinic (date TBD: ~November)

The Staunton River mini Star Party was mentioned briefly and that a future communication would be forthcoming soliciting volunteers for a joint RAC/CHAOS committee.

Lastly, we received a flyer for “Meade Demo Day” at South Eastern Camera on Oct. 21 & 22.